Marion County Animal Services is immediately suspending all cat intakes and adoptions, along with shelter-neuter-release services, due to a contagious virus.
In a media release on Tuesday, Animal Services stated that the suspension is due to a recent spike in Feline Panleukopenia (“Panleuk”). This extremely contagious virus, which affects cats and kittens, is similar to parvovirus in canines, and it can persist in a shelter environment for a lengthy period of time.
“Unfortunately, Panleuk is common in animal shelters, especially during kitten season, which is in full swing,” stated Animal Services.
Panleuk mostly impacts the gastrointestinal system, and symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. However, the most common symptom is sudden death, and Animal Services has sadly seen a “sharp increase” in these cases.
According to Animal Services, foster homes have reported kittens behaving completely normal the previous day and being found deceased or near death the following morning. Some kittens can incubate or shed the virus without showing any symptoms, which makes it challenging to isolate the virus.
Out of an “abundance of caution,” Animal Services is ceasing all intakes, adoptions, and shelter-neuter-release services for a short period of time. This will allow staff to closely monitor individual populations of cats/kittens for exposure and signs of illness while providing additional support to foster homes.
“We are taking this very seriously and spending this time to remove the virus from our environment,” said Kyra Lynch, Animal Services Director.
Animal Services states that kittens are the most vulnerable population in a shelter environment and are highly susceptible to disease. Kittens have the best survival chances with their mothers or in a home environment, since bringing them to a shelter can significantly increase their risk of illness or death.
Anyone who finds kittens is encouraged to leave them with their mother. In the event that abandoned kittens are found, please contact the shelter to discuss the safest way to get vaccinations (if the kittens are 4 weeks of age or older).
“We can provide supplies to make fostering easier,” stated Lynch. “We ask our community to be prepared to foster the kittens to avoid exposing them to this potentially deadly virus.”
In the event of an emergency, please contact Animal services at 352- 671-8700 before bringing cats or kittens to the shelter.
Cat/kitten intakes and adoptions are expected to resume in approximately one week. For more information, including updates relating to this suspension, visit Marion County Animal Services online or follow them on Facebook.
Dog operations and adoptions are continuing as normal as they are not impacted by the Feline Panleukopenia virus.
Join the conversation on Ocala-News.com